New Events Centre Set for Yarmouth

A new $6.8 million events centre will soon be bringing conventions and attractions to southwestern Nova Scotia.

The Yarmouth Multipurpose Centre will help establish the town as a major events location and increase business and tourism activity in the area.

"Many communities and grass roots organizations have partnered with governments and worked hard to make this project happen," said Richard Hurlburt, Warden of the municipality of Yarmouth. "We're pleased that our efforts will help the tourism industry in this area while also providing communities in southwestern Nova Scotia with a much needed facility."

The facility will accommodate up to 2,600 people for business, cultural, sport, recreation and tourism events. It will include a large meeting and banquet room, a smaller boardroom, two ice surfaces and support facilities. The centre will also offer 40,000 square feet for trade shows and exhibitions.

"Yarmouth is an important entry point for travellers to Nova Scotia and we've been helping to draw those visitors with investments like waterfront development and marketing of the Cat ferry," said Premier Russell MacLellan. "This new facility will create another major attraction to draw even more visitors and keep them here for longer periods of time. It will also provide a great resource for business operators and other residents in southwestern Nova Scotia."

During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate $2 million in household incomes and create 80 full-time equivalent jobs in the Yarmouth area. Once operational, the facility will create about 10 new jobs and generate $640,000 in annual household incomes.

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is contributing $2.5 million to the centre. The Agreement is managed by ACOA and Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism. The Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission is contributing $1.7 million while Human Resources Development Canada is providing an additional $450,000.

AU CHEF DES NOUVELLES: Ce communiqué est également disponible en français; appeler 902-424-4492 ou c. élec. [email protected] .